Charlie Chaplin Returns to Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi in New Exhibition

The Hollywood film star Charlie Chaplin famously honeymooned at the Metropole in Hanoi with his wife, actress Paulette Goddard, in 1936. Now, Chaplin is making an encore of sorts.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the iconic 124-year-old luxury hotel in Vietnam’s capital, has unveiled a new exhibition, “Charlie Chaplin: Echoes of a Legend,” featuring treasured items from the private collection of Australian collector Paddy Macdonald.

Photo credits: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

The display includes a rare selection of film posters, original century-old sheet music and the July 6, 1925 edition of TIME Magazine, which marked the first time the influential U.S. publication featured an actor on its cover. The memorabilia were sourced from nearly 50 countries around the world, including Australia, the U.S., Ireland, France and Cuba, offering an intimate look into the life and legacy of the legendary actor and filmmaker.

An opening event was held on June 24 at Metropole Hanoi, kicking off a month-long showcase in the hotel’s Heritage Wing and Opera Wing lobbies. The show runs until July 22.

At the opening event, Macdonald reflected on Charlie Chaplin’s legacy and the enduring power of culture, remarking that “a hallmark of the Metropole Hanoi hotel is culture,” and quoting Chaplin, who once said: “Culture does more to change things than legislation or academic papers – it gives us heroes and helps us accumulate inner strength.”

George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, said: “What makes this event even more special is that this marks the very first time that part of Macdonald’s collection has been exhibited in Asia. We are truly honored that Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is its next destination. Today, one of our Heritage Wing suites proudly bears Chaplin’s name, and this curated tribute is a celebration of that enduring connection.”

Photo credits: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

The actor’s legacy at the hotel is indeed a special one. The elegant Charlie Chaplin Suite, located on the third floor of the hotel’s newly renovated Heritage Wing, features beautiful natural wood flooring, hand-tufted carpets, and bespoke furniture, in addition to a separate living room offering privacy and comfort. The suite exudes a romantic atmosphere with individual artwork, a dining table and a balcony facing Con Coc Park.

The Heritage Wing, with 103 guest rooms and suites, was meticulously restored and renovated under a 21-month construction project before reopening in early 2024. The new interiors maintain their traditional aesthetic and feel, and incorporate select original fixtures, while also introducing a considerable measure of bespoke comfort, advanced technology and vibrant color.

This comprehensive reconstruction centered on the original wing of the hotel, which was established in 1901 and has played host over the decades to numerous heads of state and royalty, along with world-renowned actors (like Chaplin), writers, musicians and other cultural luminaries.